SOLACE
VeTerinary specialty center
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Veteran Owned & Operated
Services
Orthopedic
Surgery
Fractures are a common injury in companion animals and require prompt treatment in order to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. Fracture repair is a surgical procedure that involves realignment of fractured bones and stabilization of the affected area to promote healing.
Ligament and tendon repair is a surgical procedure to fix or reconstruct damaged, torn, or ruptured ligaments (connecting bone to bone) and tendons (connecting muscle to bone) in animals. The goal is to restore normal function and stability to the affected joint or limb. The most common injury in dogs and cats is a torn or damaged cranial cruciate ligament (ACL).
Patellar luxation results in malalignment of the hind limb and can cause dislocation of the kneecap to one side. Surgical correction intends to re-align this mechanism restoring normal position, correcting any anatomical abnormalities, and aiming to decrease any future degeneration an arthritis in the knee joint.
Surgical procedure designed to fuse a damaged or diseased joint, eliminating pain by creating a rigid, immobile limb. The surgery involves removing cartilage, realigning the bones, and using implants like bone plates and screws to provide rigid stability, which encourages new bone to grow and unite the joint over several months.
Surgical procedure in animals that involves cutting and reshaping a deformed or misaligned bone to eliminate pain, restore function, and provide support. This surgery is used to correct problems resulting from fractures that have healed incorrectly (malunion), congenital issues, or acquired deformities.
Procedure performed with the intention of repairing a torn or damaged meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that provides cushioning and stability in the knee (stifle) joint. This condition occurs most often in conjunction with a tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (ACL).
Advanced Soft Tissue Surgery
Serious injury requires serious care. With advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care, we help pets recover from even the most challenging injuries.
Using a pet’s own healthy tissue, advanced reconstructive surgery can be performed for challenging or non-healing wounds using skin grafts (free tissue) or skin flaps (tissue with its own blood supply) to repair large areas and ensure a safe and complete recovery.
When a mass or tumor is really large or in a tricky spot, we use state-of-the-art surgical equipment, advanced techniques, and careful analysis to help ensure complete removal contributing to your pet’s long-term health.
The liver has multiple sections, or lobes. When a mass or disease affects just one of these, our surgical team can precisely remove only the affected lobe, allowing your pet’s healthy liver to regenerate and function normally. Similar to the liver, the lungs also have multiple lobes and our team can remove the diseased area improving your pet’s quality of life and breathing.
When problems arise within the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts (such as a mass or a blockage), our veterinary surgeon uses advanced, precise techniques to resolve the issue. Whether it’s removing a diseased gallbladder (cholecystectomy) or clearing a blocked bile duct, we focus on correcting the problem for the best possible outcome. This intensive procedure requires the highest level of surgical skill and care, and our experienced team is equipped to handle these challenging cases to improve your pet’s health and comfort.
From complex bladder stones to intricate reproductive conditions and urinary tract trauma, our surgical team is trained to manage a wide range of urogenital issues with care and expertise. We focus on restoring your pet’s comfort and helping them get back to a normal, healthy life.
For at-risk dogs, we offer a preventive surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy. Using advanced minimally invasive techniques, this procedure “tacks” the stomach to the abdominal wall preventing the stomach from twisting causing the life-threatening condition known as gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV).
We offer advanced upper airway surgery to address breathing issues, particularly for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and pets with conditions like laryngeal paralysis. By correcting anatomical obstructions, this surgery can significantly improve your pet’s breathing, increase their exercise tolerance, and enhance their overall quality of life. We utilize modern surgical techniques and provide expert post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
Neurologic
Surgery
When a spinal fracture occurs, it’s a serious injury. Our goal is to carefully and precisely realign the bone fragments and stabilize the spine using advanced implants, helping to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and give your pet the best possible chance for recovery.
When a spinal disc, tumor, or other material presses on your pet’s spinal cord, it can cause severe pain or even paralysis. Our specialty surgeon can perform decompression surgery to carefully remove the source of the pressure, creating more space for the nerves to heal and restoring function.
What is a Veterinary Specialist?
Just like in human medicine, a veterinary specialist is a board-certified expert in a specific field, such as surgery, oncology, or internal medicine, providing advanced care for complex cases. Endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) a veterinary specialist has completed additional years of rigorous training, including an internship and residency, to become a certified expert in a specific area of animal care. A veterinary specialist works alongside your family veterinarian to provide advanced diagnostics and treatment when a pet’s condition requires special expertise or equipment.
When to contact a Veterinary Specialist?
Your primary veterinarian may refer you to a specialist for complex surgical cases, advanced procedures, or when a diagnosis is unclear. Consider a veterinary specialist when your pet’s health issue requires diagnostics or treatments beyond the scope of a standard clinic, and specialized expertise is needed for the best outcome.
Why is Board Certification important?
Board certification signifies that a specialist has completed additional years of rigorous, advanced training and passed demanding exams to achieve expert status in their field. It also signifies the specialist meets the highest standards of knowledge and skill, ensuring your pet receives top-tier care grounded in the latest research and techniques. Board certification gives pet owners peace of mind, knowing their beloved companion is being treated by a proven expert who has undergone the most extensive training available. For more information regarding board certification in veterinary surgery please visit the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (www.acvs.org).
About Us
Dr. Shane J. Andrews
DVM, DACVS-SA
Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Andrews grew up with a variety of pets and has always had a special connection with animals. He graduated from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Dr. Andrews is a veteran of the US Army having served as a Veterinary Corps Officer for 15 years with assignments in Tokyo Japan, Colorado, Michigan, Okinawa Japan, and Germany. During these assignments Dr. Andrews cared for and provided advanced surgical care to Military Working Dogs deployed all over the world.
He completed a Small Animal Surgery Residency at Michigan State University in 2017 and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He recently settled down in St. George, Utah and continues to serve his country in the US Army reserves as a veterinary specialist and consultant.
Dr. Andrews’ professional interests include minimally invasive fracture repair, cranial cruciate ligament disease, and wound healing. He is the founder of the Southern Utah Veterinary CE Circuit and enjoys teaching and instructing technicians, clinicians, and surgeons on topics of veterinary surgery.
Dr. Andrews is happily married to his wife Amy and has four children: Jayden, Tia, Jett, and Niko. He enjoys cycling, running, hiking, and spending time with family.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:
Western University of Health Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
Pomona, California
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Michigan State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
East Lansing, Michigan
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
US Army Reserves
Veterinary Corps Officer
Lieutenant Colonel
Why choose us
Fully Licensed, Bonded, And Insured
Board Certified Surgeon
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We Care
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Extensive Knowledge
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Continuing Education
Nexus Veterinary Continuing Education was founded by Dr. Brian Beale, a veterinary surgeon, and educator, to challenge every status quo in the modern world of Veterinary continuing education.
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What Our Clients Say
For information or to set up a consultation
Call 435-922-8473
Contact
Saint George, Utah, 84770